Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Sioux Falls
Since 1891, Cadwell Law Firm has served the Sioux Falls community with high-caliber legal services rooted in integrity and excellence. Our full-service practice combines a deep bench of trial lawyers with expertise in sophisticated commercial and transactional matters, maintaining a legacy of trust through generations. We prioritize client success through collaborative loyalty, evidenced by our 130-year history of resolving complex legal challenges.Our attorneys are recognized nationally for expertise in civil litigation, business law, and governance, with a commitment to community service reflected in our founding role in the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. With practice areas spanning multiple states and federal courts, we deliver tailored solutions for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Services
Business Law
Civil Litigation
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Employment Law
Banking & Finance
Insurance Coverage
Trust Litigation
Government Liability
Agricultural Law
Highlights and features
- We have over 130 years of legal experience serving Sioux Falls and surrounding regions.
- Our attorneys are nationally recognized for expertise in complex litigation and transactions.
- We maintain deep ties to the local business community through the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
- Our team practices in multiple states and federal courts across the Midwest.
- We combine boutique client service with a proven track record in high-stakes legal matters.
Associations and certifications
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Super Lawyers
- American Board of Trial Advocates
- American College of Trial Lawyers
- Chambers USA
What people say
Trusted legal services
Highly recommend
Personalized attention
Deep community ties
Proven track record
Services
Business Law
Our business law practice provides strategic counsel for commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. We represent banks, insurers, and regional businesses in complex agreements and dispute resolution. With decades of experience, we help clients navigate state and federal regulations while protecting their interests in mergers, contracts, and operational matters.
Civil Litigation
Cadwell's civil litigation team handles high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts. We represent clients in commercial litigation, insurance coverage battles, and appellate matters. Our attorneys combine courtroom experience with strategic negotiation skills to achieve favorable outcomes, maintaining a strong track record in both jury trials and settlement negotiations across the Midwest.
Estate Planning
We offer comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, and probate administration. Our attorneys help individuals and families protect assets through customized estate strategies. With expertise in South Dakota's favorable trust laws, we serve clients seeking efficient wealth transfer solutions and fiduciary representation in estate matters.
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice covers commercial development, land use, and zoning matters. We assist developers, lenders, and property owners with transactions, title disputes, and regulatory compliance. With regional expertise spanning multiple states, we provide practical solutions for complex real estate challenges in both urban and rural markets.
Employment Law
We counsel employers on compliance with employment regulations and represent them in labor disputes. Our services include policy development, discrimination claims defense, and ERISA compliance. With experience in both state and federal courts, we help businesses navigate the complexities of workforce management and workplace litigation.
People
Steve Sanford
Attorney
Steve Sanford brings decades of legal experience to complex commercial litigation, focusing on banking and insurance matters. He mentors junior attorneys while maintaining active involvement in regional business organizations.
Shawn Nichols
Attorney
Shawn Nichols specializes in real estate law and land development, representing major developers in zoning and regulatory compliance matters across the Midwest with a focus on sustainable growth solutions.
Melissa Jelen
Attorney
Melissa Jelen focuses on estate planning and trust litigation, leveraging South Dakota's favorable trust laws to create innovative wealth preservation strategies for high-net-worth clients and family offices.
Bill Garry
Partner
Bill Garry leads the firm's government liability practice, representing municipalities in complex legal matters. He continues the firm's tradition of civic engagement through active participation in local governance initiatives.
Doug Deibert
Partner
Doug Deibert specializes in employment law and ERISA compliance, advising regional businesses on workforce management strategies and defending employers in discrimination and wage disputes.
Questions
What practice areas does Cadwell Law Firm handle?
We handle business law, civil litigation, estate planning, real estate, employment law, banking, insurance coverage, and trust litigation across multiple states.
How long has Cadwell Law Firm been in business?
Our firm has provided legal services since 1891, making us one of South Dakota's oldest continuously operating law firms.
Do you serve clients outside Sioux Falls?
Yes, we represent clients throughout South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Missouri, including federal courts in the region.
What makes Cadwell Law Firm different from other firms?
Our combination of 130+ years of local experience, national legal recognition, and commitment to personalized service distinguishes us in the Midwest legal community.
Can I get estate planning help for complex assets?
Yes, our attorneys specialize in sophisticated estate planning using South Dakota's favorable trust laws to protect complex assets for high-net-worth individuals.
